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This article addresses women's health topics including reproductive and gynaecological health. Content is presented in a clinical, evidence-based manner consistent with Korea Ministry of Health and Welfare guidelines.
This content is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a licensed KMA physician for personalised guidance.
Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples globally. Korea has world-class fertility services and strong government support for treatment — and most causes of female infertility are treatable, with the key being to seek help at the right time.
Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after 12 months of regular unprotected intercourse (or 6 months for women over 35). It affects approximately 1 in 6 couples globally. Female factors account for approximately one-third of cases, male factors for another third, and combined or unexplained factors for the remainder.
Key factors affecting female fertility include age (the most significant), ovulation problems (PCOS, thyroid disorders, premature ovarian insufficiency), fallopian tube damage (from pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis), uterine abnormalities (fibroids, polyps, adhesions), cervical factors, and endometriosis.
Age and fertility: Female fertility begins declining in the late twenties and accelerates after 35. This is primarily due to a decline in the quantity and quality of eggs. Women over 35 who have been trying for 6 months (rather than 12) should seek early evaluation. By age 40, natural conception is significantly more difficult.
Fertility evaluation for women includes: blood tests (Day 2–5 hormones — FSH, LH, oestradiol, AMH for ovarian reserve); pelvic ultrasound (antral follicle count, uterine and ovarian anatomy); hysterosalpingography (HSG — X-ray to assess fallopian tube patency); and, in some cases, diagnostic laparoscopy.
Fertility treatments available in Korea: Korea has excellent fertility services and, given national policy focus on the country's low birth rate, offers meaningful NHIS subsidy support for fertility treatment for eligible residents. Community health centres provide basic infertility evaluation and referral. Major hospitals' reproductive medicine departments offer comprehensive services including ovulation induction, IUI (intrauterine insemination), and full IVF/ICSI. Several private fertility clinics in Seoul also provide advanced assisted reproductive technology.
IVF (in vitro fertilisation): Eggs are retrieved and fertilised in the laboratory, then embryos are transferred to the uterus. Success rates depend on age — women under 35 have the highest success rates per cycle (~40–50% per cycle at leading centres).
Key Points
- Seek evaluation after 12 months of trying (6 months if over 35)
- Age is the single most important factor affecting female fertility
- PCOS, endometriosis, and fallopian tube damage are leading treatable causes
- AMH blood test and antral follicle count measure ovarian reserve
- Korea offers meaningful NHIS subsidy support for fertility treatment given national policy focus on the low birth rate
- Male factor contributes to infertility in 50% of cases — male evaluation is equally important
Causes & Risk Factors
- Ovulation disorders — PCOS, thyroid disease, premature ovarian insufficiency
- Fallopian tube damage — previous pelvic infections, endometriosis
- Endometriosis — affecting egg quality and implantation
- Uterine abnormalities — fibroids, polyps, Asherman's syndrome
- Age-related decline in egg quantity and quality
- Unexplained infertility — all tests normal but pregnancy elusive
When to See a Doctor
- Have been trying to conceive for 12 months (6 months if over 35)
- Irregular or absent periods suggesting an ovulation problem
- Known PCOS, endometriosis, or previous pelvic surgery
- History of pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted infection
- Two or more miscarriages — early investigation is warranted
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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Medical Disclaimer
This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
Sources & References
Last reviewed: April 1, 2026